Montecarlo Wine Festival

A tradition spanning over half a century

The Montecarlo Wine Festival is one of the longest-running and most famous food and wine events in Tuscany. The first edition of this September festival dates back to 1968: since then, every year, the small village of Montecarlo, in the province of Lucca, transforms for nearly two weeks into the wine capital of the Lucchese hills. The festival celebrates an ancient winemaking vocation that has made the town a member of the national 'Città del Vino' association and has led Montecarlo's wines to be recognized among the region's finest.

The heart of the festival: Montecarlo wines

The absolute stars are the DOC and IGT wines produced by local wineries. The Montecarlo area is especially famous for its whites, the result of a rare blend that combines Trebbiano Toscano with international grape varieties introduced as early as the late 19th century, though there are also excellent reds to be found. During the festival, winemakers from the consortium open their tasting stands in the historic center, giving visitors the chance to meet the producers directly and learn the story behind their labels.

Food stalls and local flavors

Along the town's streets and in the main squares — Piazza d'Armi and Piazza Garibaldi — you will find food and wine stalls, generally open in the evenings. Alongside the glasses of wine, you can enjoy typical products of the Lucchese and Tuscan tradition: artisanal cheeses, cured meats, hot dishes, and local specialties. The atmosphere is that of the convivial and authentic village festival, where tasting becomes a way to discover the culture and character of a territory.

Culture, music, and traditional moments

The Wine Festival is not just about food and wine. Every year, the program includes musical and popular performances, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives. Recurring events include the showcase where winemakers share their stories, exhibition spaces dedicated to art and wine, performances by the G. Puccini Philharmonic, and historical re-enactments by the Gruppo Storico Montecarlese. The festival is also linked to the local devotion to the Madonna del Soccorso, celebrated on September 8th with a suggestive procession that traditionally closes the event.

A village to discover

Visiting Montecarlo during the Wine Festival also means discovering one of Tuscany's most charming villages: the ancient walls, the fortress, the narrow alleys, and the views over the surrounding hills provide the ideal backdrop for an event that, edition after edition, confirms the deep bond between the town, its people, and its wine. Admission is free, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and sharing that has always characterized this appointment in the oenological Tuscany.